Student organization to host 5k to raise scholarship funds

The Tuscaloosa Dietetic Association and the Student Dietetic Association will host the sixth annual 5k run to kick off national nutrition month.

The race is Saturday Feb. 23 at The University of Alabama recreational fields starting at 8 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. The first 125 registered are eligible to receive a free T-shirt, door prizes and food and nutrition information.

Participants will run along Campus Drive up Helen Keller Boulevard. The course is designed to be a quick 5K with a downhill finish.

The race is intended to raise money for scholarships and the Good Samaritan Clinic. At the conclusion of the race, three scholarships will be given to nutrition majors at the Capstone. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, dietetics is a growing major; as of now it is a leading profession in the front of the health care industry.

TDA’s purpose is to promote optimal health and nutrition status of the population through quality dietetic education, research and community service.

“It is a dynamic profession because there are countless jobs graduates can have; they can do just about anything,” Amy Parton, race director, said. “They can be anything from food editors to working with children.”

Applications for the scholarships are available in the department of human nutrition and hospitality management. The Tuscaloosa Dietetics Association reviews these applications. They are granted based on need, merit and leadership.

“The 5k was thought up by a few runners we want to promote the profession of dietetics,” Parton said.

A fee of $20 is required to participate in the race. Checks will be accepted and can be made payable to the TDA Foundation, Inc.